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Change of Plans
From acclaimed and #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Dessen comes a “sweet, nuanced, and reflective coming-of-age love story” (
Kirkus
Reviews, starred review) about an unassuming girl who learns to stand on her own while falling in love during a life-changing summer.
Finley has always felt most comfortable in someone else’s shadow. Fortunately, she’s got Colin, her magnetic boyfriend, who sweeps her along for activities, friendships, and future plans. Then she goes on a last-minute trip with her distant mom to a family vacation house that Finley didn’t know existed and is now about to be sold.
Her mom was estranged from her own parents and siblings since leaving home for college, and it’s a novelty for Finley to see her aunts and cousins. There’s also the handful of teens who work at the Egg, her aunt’s diner, and make up a found family of their own—including undeniably handsome guitarist Ben.
Then her relationship with Colin goes into freefall, and Finley’s roadmap for life after high school is gone. She has no choice but to live, for the first time, without plans. The longer Finley stays, the closer she gets to the truth about why her mother stayed away—and why she’s brought Finley here now.
And the closer she grows to new friends at the Egg, the more she starts to fall for charmingly awkward, soulful Ben and to realize how much of herself she’s been missing. By the end of the summer, nothing will be the same—for this community or for Finley herself.
Finley has always felt most comfortable in someone else’s shadow. Fortunately, she’s got Colin, her magnetic boyfriend, who sweeps her along for activities, friendships, and future plans. Then she goes on a last-minute trip with her distant mom to a family vacation house that Finley didn’t know existed and is now about to be sold.
Her mom was estranged from her own parents and siblings since leaving home for college, and it’s a novelty for Finley to see her aunts and cousins. There’s also the handful of teens who work at the Egg, her aunt’s diner, and make up a found family of their own—including undeniably handsome guitarist Ben.
Then her relationship with Colin goes into freefall, and Finley’s roadmap for life after high school is gone. She has no choice but to live, for the first time, without plans. The longer Finley stays, the closer she gets to the truth about why her mother stayed away—and why she’s brought Finley here now.
And the closer she grows to new friends at the Egg, the more she starts to fall for charmingly awkward, soulful Ben and to realize how much of herself she’s been missing. By the end of the summer, nothing will be the same—for this community or for Finley herself.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2026
241 people are currently reading
22361 people want to read
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
WAR IS OVER SARAH DESSEN HAS A NEW BOOK!!
An update: I GOT THE ARC LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!!
The Review:
Change of Plans feels like coming home.
I grew up on a healthy diet of Sarah Dessen and revisiting her now has been so nostalgic and lovely. (I say this while Saint Anything still gets a yearly reread)
In many ways this is a classic SD coming of age. We get the character growth, the swoony summer romance, family drama, and a wonderfully quirky cast of secondary characters. Ben was very sweet and I love how different he felt to the typical YA boyfriend, I also appreciated how Ben and Finley mirrored Sydney and Mac from Saint Anything in several ways. I don’t know if it was intentional, but it was a nice homage.
There were a few things I didn’t love. One, it takes a bit to really get a grasp of this novel and get invested in the characters. I was hoping it would grab me right away and it really is a grower of a novel. I also wanted more of a resolution with Finley’s mom, that whole side plot felt half-baked. And on that, I think we could have used a few extra chapters to really take our time with the resolution. Sarah really loves to end on a high and I appreciate that, especially because that feels very indicative of the YA category, but I think we needed a bit more time to get where we did.
A big thank you to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for letting me revisit my teen years for a few hundred pages.
An update: I GOT THE ARC LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!!
The Review:
Change of Plans feels like coming home.
I grew up on a healthy diet of Sarah Dessen and revisiting her now has been so nostalgic and lovely. (I say this while Saint Anything still gets a yearly reread)
In many ways this is a classic SD coming of age. We get the character growth, the swoony summer romance, family drama, and a wonderfully quirky cast of secondary characters. Ben was very sweet and I love how different he felt to the typical YA boyfriend, I also appreciated how Ben and Finley mirrored Sydney and Mac from Saint Anything in several ways. I don’t know if it was intentional, but it was a nice homage.
There were a few things I didn’t love. One, it takes a bit to really get a grasp of this novel and get invested in the characters. I was hoping it would grab me right away and it really is a grower of a novel. I also wanted more of a resolution with Finley’s mom, that whole side plot felt half-baked. And on that, I think we could have used a few extra chapters to really take our time with the resolution. Sarah really loves to end on a high and I appreciate that, especially because that feels very indicative of the YA category, but I think we needed a bit more time to get where we did.
A big thank you to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for letting me revisit my teen years for a few hundred pages.
Currently Reading
May 7, 2026reliving my youth
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reading an ARC of new Sarah Dessen book, somewhere around 20 years after I read one of her books (Just Listen) for the first time, genuinely felt like coming home. To me, this story was classic Sarah Dessen. There were layers to all the characters, there was nuance to the story and the family dynamics, and there was so much more to the main character than her romantic choices. This was a coming of age story with all the heart and depth I always expect when I read one of Sarah's books.
There were also so many treats for the die-hards, those of us who know the universe. We got a brief return to Lakeview with updates on Luna Blu, plus a clearer link between Lakeview and the setting from The Rest of the Story, North Lake (and Lake North). The reference to the hurricane that ruined the Pavilion made me smile. Getting an Owen mention and one more "Hate Spinnerbait" made me cry tears of nostalgia (and had me immediately planning to re-read Just Listen for the first time in 20 years). All in all, this was exactly what I hoped it would be. Welcome back, Sarah Dessen!
As always, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
*Pre-read: Sarah Dessen is coming back and I’m ready to get nostalgic and pretend to be my teenage self for a few hundred pages 😭✨
There were also so many treats for the die-hards, those of us who know the universe. We got a brief return to Lakeview with updates on Luna Blu, plus a clearer link between Lakeview and the setting from The Rest of the Story, North Lake (and Lake North). The reference to the hurricane that ruined the Pavilion made me smile. Getting an Owen mention and one more "Hate Spinnerbait" made me cry tears of nostalgia (and had me immediately planning to re-read Just Listen for the first time in 20 years). All in all, this was exactly what I hoped it would be. Welcome back, Sarah Dessen!
As always, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
*Pre-read: Sarah Dessen is coming back and I’m ready to get nostalgic and pretend to be my teenage self for a few hundred pages 😭✨
March 2, 2026
This one hurts to write…
Sarah Dessen was the author of my teen years, so I was ridiculously excited for her first new release in about seven years. Truly, I went into Change of Plans ready to be emotionally wrecked in the best way. Unfortunately… this was not the return I wanted. Sarah whyyyyyy.
I could barely keep up with this book—not because it was complex, but because everything felt oddly all over the place while also being painfully slow. The pacing dragged, the storyline felt unfocused, and I kept waiting for it to click. It never did. Most of the book follows Finley working at a diner, and I’m sorry, but it was boring. Not cozy-boring. Just boring.
The secondary characters didn’t help. They weren’t memorable or particularly likable, which is wild because side characters are usually one of Dessen’s biggest strengths. Here, they all blurred together, and I felt zero attachment to the found-family vibe the story clearly wanted me to love.
I also don’t want to spoil anything, but the storyline involving Finley’s mom was handled so poorly. It’s a plotline that desperately needed emotional depth, and instead it felt brushed over—then randomly brought up again like it was supposed to hit hard. It didn’t. At all.
Everything just felt out of place, like familiar Dessen elements thrown together without the heart that used to make them work. I hate saying this, but the book felt stale.
I’ll always read whatever Sarah Dessen writes—but this one? A disappointing 2 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah Dessen was the author of my teen years, so I was ridiculously excited for her first new release in about seven years. Truly, I went into Change of Plans ready to be emotionally wrecked in the best way. Unfortunately… this was not the return I wanted. Sarah whyyyyyy.
I could barely keep up with this book—not because it was complex, but because everything felt oddly all over the place while also being painfully slow. The pacing dragged, the storyline felt unfocused, and I kept waiting for it to click. It never did. Most of the book follows Finley working at a diner, and I’m sorry, but it was boring. Not cozy-boring. Just boring.
The secondary characters didn’t help. They weren’t memorable or particularly likable, which is wild because side characters are usually one of Dessen’s biggest strengths. Here, they all blurred together, and I felt zero attachment to the found-family vibe the story clearly wanted me to love.
I also don’t want to spoil anything, but the storyline involving Finley’s mom was handled so poorly. It’s a plotline that desperately needed emotional depth, and instead it felt brushed over—then randomly brought up again like it was supposed to hit hard. It didn’t. At all.
Everything just felt out of place, like familiar Dessen elements thrown together without the heart that used to make them work. I hate saying this, but the book felt stale.
I’ll always read whatever Sarah Dessen writes—but this one? A disappointing 2 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
January 7, 2026
Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:
A queen of YA is back with her first novel since 2019. This story follows a girl named Finley, whose life is upended when her mother announces they're spending the summer at a family vacation house that Finley didn't know existed. Finley's thrown into meeting aunts and cousins that she's never spent time with before, and she's found community in the teens who work at her aunt's diner. She's also developing feelings for a local boy at the same time her relationship with long-time boyfriend Colin begins to falter. It's a story of a girl finding herself, her voice, and her passion–something Dessen's always done so well. —Kelly Jensen
A queen of YA is back with her first novel since 2019. This story follows a girl named Finley, whose life is upended when her mother announces they're spending the summer at a family vacation house that Finley didn't know existed. Finley's thrown into meeting aunts and cousins that she's never spent time with before, and she's found community in the teens who work at her aunt's diner. She's also developing feelings for a local boy at the same time her relationship with long-time boyfriend Colin begins to falter. It's a story of a girl finding herself, her voice, and her passion–something Dessen's always done so well. —Kelly Jensen
Want to Read
July 23, 2025YES!! A new Sarah Dessen book! FINALLY!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
huge thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
3.95
i think if there was one way to describe a sarah dessen novel is that it's summer in page form. her books make me personally feel how i feel like emily henry's books feel for some people. they just have that depth ?? to them.
this book was such a lovely fun summer romance, legit perfect for a beachtime read or even an airplane read. it has found family, a very sweet cute relationship with our love interest, ben. and an icky ex, colin. but let's be honest, when has a colin not been a jerk. no offense to the nice colin's out there.
read this book if you like:
.✧ found family
.✧ summer romance
.✧ the funniest side characters
.✧ small town vibes !!!
pre review
full review to come! dare i say sarah dessen's best work yet
3.95
i think if there was one way to describe a sarah dessen novel is that it's summer in page form. her books make me personally feel how i feel like emily henry's books feel for some people. they just have that depth ?? to them.
this book was such a lovely fun summer romance, legit perfect for a beachtime read or even an airplane read. it has found family, a very sweet cute relationship with our love interest, ben. and an icky ex, colin. but let's be honest, when has a colin not been a jerk. no offense to the nice colin's out there.
read this book if you like:
.✧ found family
.✧ summer romance
.✧ the funniest side characters
.✧ small town vibes !!!
pre review
full review to come! dare i say sarah dessen's best work yet
Currently Reading
May 3, 2026⋆˙⟡ 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓊𝓅𝒹𝒶𝓉𝑒 (5/3/2026, 3 PM): I’m 45% of the way in and I have a feeling the book is losing the plot and missing the point🥲😬
⋅˚₊‧ ୨ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: ୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ I got this from the Read Now section on NetGalley MONTHS ago and I screamed when I saw it because Sarah Dessen was literally 90% of my middle school TBR. I always say that Emily Henry brought me BACK to reading romance as an adult, but Sarah Dessen was the author that started me down the path of reading romance books over a decade and a half ago. Like, I’m not even kidding, I read pretty much every single book she had out back in the day. I can’t believe she’s back and I can’t wait to start this!💙🧡☀️
Thank you to Sarah Dessen, Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.Change of Plans will be officially published on May 5th, 2026!
⋅˚₊‧ ୨ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: ୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ I got this from the Read Now section on NetGalley MONTHS ago and I screamed when I saw it because Sarah Dessen was literally 90% of my middle school TBR. I always say that Emily Henry brought me BACK to reading romance as an adult, but Sarah Dessen was the author that started me down the path of reading romance books over a decade and a half ago. Like, I’m not even kidding, I read pretty much every single book she had out back in the day. I can’t believe she’s back and I can’t wait to start this!💙🧡☀️
Thank you to Sarah Dessen, Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.Change of Plans will be officially published on May 5th, 2026!
March 18, 2026
This felt like someone took every Sarah Dessen book and smushed them together.
The premise is very similar to Dessen’s previous books. The main character being dumped by her overachieving boyfriend is The Truth About Forever. Girl working at diner (or catering) and finding close friends - Truth About Forever again, and Keeping the Moon. Late night meetings with love interest and issues with a cold, distant parent - Along for the Ride. Not to mention it is so close to the basic set up of The Rest of the Story where a young girl goes to the lake to connect with her mother's family. I had reservations from the moment I heard the premise of this because my first reaction was "didn't I just read a Dessen book with that plot?"
I feel like I could go on. There were characters in this that felt like characters from previous books, too.
Speaking of characters, there are too many and they all sound really similar to each other. I had no idea the relationships of some of them and I had to really fill in the blanks. I didn't realize Clark was a cousin until halfway. Lana and Ben are employees at the aunt's diner, but they are kinda just constantly running errands for her? Even like personal ones it seems? And I get that there is a found family situation going on here, but something about the dynamics threw me off because they weren't really clear from the beginning. And I had no grip on how old these characters are. Anne is getting married and seems like a way older cousin but then it says she’s not even 21 yet. Clark is in business school but is rooming with Ben who is maybe the same age as Finley? Cardoon seemed middle aged until he was suddenly a love interest for Lana who I think is 18?
Every scene is completely chaotic and repetitive. The diner is busy every morning so every scene of a morning in the diner needs to be explained and we are told how busy it is. People come and go in the house constantly. New people show up and then just stay! They are just a part of this family after an afternoon?
Then there’s an Easter egg about a character from a previous Dessen book.
Maybe I’m getting lost in the weeds with all this. Maybe readers unfamiliar with Dessen will like it more. But this was okay at best. Too much going on and not much happening. And it felt like a rehash of everything Dessen has done before but without the magic. Her strength has always been the relationships between characters and showing poignant moments between them as they become closer. There was none of that here. Just people rushing in and out of a diner and a house.
This might not land for the older fans of Dessen which is fine. YA isn’t really written for that audience. But this was lacking.
The premise is very similar to Dessen’s previous books. The main character being dumped by her overachieving boyfriend is The Truth About Forever. Girl working at diner (or catering) and finding close friends - Truth About Forever again, and Keeping the Moon. Late night meetings with love interest and issues with a cold, distant parent - Along for the Ride. Not to mention it is so close to the basic set up of The Rest of the Story where a young girl goes to the lake to connect with her mother's family. I had reservations from the moment I heard the premise of this because my first reaction was "didn't I just read a Dessen book with that plot?"
I feel like I could go on. There were characters in this that felt like characters from previous books, too.
Speaking of characters, there are too many and they all sound really similar to each other. I had no idea the relationships of some of them and I had to really fill in the blanks. I didn't realize Clark was a cousin until halfway. Lana and Ben are employees at the aunt's diner, but they are kinda just constantly running errands for her? Even like personal ones it seems? And I get that there is a found family situation going on here, but something about the dynamics threw me off because they weren't really clear from the beginning. And I had no grip on how old these characters are. Anne is getting married and seems like a way older cousin but then it says she’s not even 21 yet. Clark is in business school but is rooming with Ben who is maybe the same age as Finley? Cardoon seemed middle aged until he was suddenly a love interest for Lana who I think is 18?
Every scene is completely chaotic and repetitive. The diner is busy every morning so every scene of a morning in the diner needs to be explained and we are told how busy it is. People come and go in the house constantly. New people show up and then just stay! They are just a part of this family after an afternoon?
Then there’s an Easter egg about a character from a previous Dessen book.
Maybe I’m getting lost in the weeds with all this. Maybe readers unfamiliar with Dessen will like it more. But this was okay at best. Too much going on and not much happening. And it felt like a rehash of everything Dessen has done before but without the magic. Her strength has always been the relationships between characters and showing poignant moments between them as they become closer. There was none of that here. Just people rushing in and out of a diner and a house.
This might not land for the older fans of Dessen which is fine. YA isn’t really written for that audience. But this was lacking.
May 3, 2026
But it was that dance I’d come back to more than anything. How after so long of my being sidelined, feeling shapeless, I’d been brought into a place I fit perfectly. From then on, all I wanted was to remain there, like a planet in endless orbit, forever.
Omg but this was so good!
4.5 stars
“I think the thing with Colin is…I just got swept up and lost myself. Like a tornado. It was dizzying.”
I am always skeptical of small-town romances. I live in a small town. It’s not romantic. But this was so cozy and heartfelt, uplifting and joyful, while also bringing the emotions. Honestly, Sarah Dessen can write, and I’ll read what she writes, no notes.
“We could be in touch with each other too.”
“You think our epic awkwardness will translate?”
“Maybe,” he said, “we could make it a goal to be even more so. Think of all that could be cringeworthy over text.”
“The possibilities are endless,” I agreed.
This book was about finding joy in the small things. About diner breakfast rushes, a run-down family home, new friends, new loves, and finding yourself. I love the glimpses into the side characters we got. I felt like they had so much to say and each had their own voice.
“This place does that. It’s full of ghosts. One reason I’ve stayed away.”
“Ghosts or memories?” I asked.
“Sometimes they’re the same thing,” she replied.
I loved Finley, our FMC, struggle with her absentee mom and her inner thoughts. It was heartbreaking to see that her “friends” were not her friends, but only there because of her ex, so I loved that she found her people in her mom’s old hometown.
My mother was late. Not just late. A half hour late. And not answering her phone. Two things that never happened. Clearly, she was dead.
The whole estate sale and trip down memory lane made this super fun (and yes, emotional like I said above. This was only 4.5 and not 5 stars because our FMC was…emotionless at times? Bland? I dunno what I want to say, but she said/did a few things that made me go wut. And the biggest letdown was Colin. I WANTED the confrontation, and we were robbed of that, so that was a choice.
“Hopefully right now you’re really impressed by my bravery.”
“Totally,” I replied. “I’d be even more so, except you tried to get me to go ahead of you.”
Overall, I’d highly recommend this book (and all other Sarah Dessen books)!
Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster and the author for a physical ARC and an eARC!
Omg but this was so good!
4.5 stars
“I think the thing with Colin is…I just got swept up and lost myself. Like a tornado. It was dizzying.”
I am always skeptical of small-town romances. I live in a small town. It’s not romantic. But this was so cozy and heartfelt, uplifting and joyful, while also bringing the emotions. Honestly, Sarah Dessen can write, and I’ll read what she writes, no notes.
“We could be in touch with each other too.”
“You think our epic awkwardness will translate?”
“Maybe,” he said, “we could make it a goal to be even more so. Think of all that could be cringeworthy over text.”
“The possibilities are endless,” I agreed.
This book was about finding joy in the small things. About diner breakfast rushes, a run-down family home, new friends, new loves, and finding yourself. I love the glimpses into the side characters we got. I felt like they had so much to say and each had their own voice.
“This place does that. It’s full of ghosts. One reason I’ve stayed away.”
“Ghosts or memories?” I asked.
“Sometimes they’re the same thing,” she replied.
I loved Finley, our FMC, struggle with her absentee mom and her inner thoughts. It was heartbreaking to see that her “friends” were not her friends, but only there because of her ex, so I loved that she found her people in her mom’s old hometown.
My mother was late. Not just late. A half hour late. And not answering her phone. Two things that never happened. Clearly, she was dead.
The whole estate sale and trip down memory lane made this super fun (and yes, emotional like I said above. This was only 4.5 and not 5 stars because our FMC was…emotionless at times? Bland? I dunno what I want to say, but she said/did a few things that made me go wut. And the biggest letdown was Colin. I WANTED the confrontation, and we were robbed of that, so that was a choice.
“Hopefully right now you’re really impressed by my bravery.”
“Totally,” I replied. “I’d be even more so, except you tried to get me to go ahead of you.”
Overall, I’d highly recommend this book (and all other Sarah Dessen books)!
Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster and the author for a physical ARC and an eARC!
May 2, 2026
This book is nothing but nostalgic. I know I’ve aged out of her target audience since I read “just listen” and “along for the ride.” But I went into it with high hopes since I’ve always find Sarah Dessan to be well written. And she still is to an extent.
Despite being her first book in seven years tho the story feels under developed.
It’s very difficult to keep track of all of the characters and family members. The names are just literally thrown at you and intermixed to much it’s a big jumble with no defining traits to separate ppl.
The setting is pretty much just “the woods” and a small town. Greater detail could’ve enhanced the story. Sooo much of the story was her working at the Egg. Which did not add anything to the story.
It is also very dialogue heavy with minimal character development if any unless you consider the final sentence development for the main FMC. She’s 18 tho so I wasn’t expecting much and that’s fine.
Compared to her other books I was surprised that this one didn’t wrap up neatly. It leaves you wondering a lot. What will happen to the estate? What happens with her mom? With Ben? With Colin? With school?
This is a surface level story at best. I think much more could have been explored that would resonate with YA readers. In particular she could have gone deeper with the aspects of planning your future so young and putting so much into a highschool relationship, and the importance of family and real connections. These are topics YA readers not only deserve to read but can help sort out their own feelings through books.
The small town and leaving to do your own thing could’ve been elaborated on too. Encouraging YA readers to go beyond their world.
There’s so much left unsaid that could’ve enhanced the story. We get more conversations at the egg than actually with Colin. He comes and leaves. Same with her conversations with her mom. Why not add them on the page?
As a stylistic choice the onomatopoeia is a tad excessive. But this could be a me problem.
Bang
Bzzzz
Chirp
Beep!
Bing
Clunk
Whizz
It was a lot. Bzzzz was used so often.
I think this book will do well due to the nostalgia. Readers however may be better off reading her earlier books.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the ARC. This book has been purchased for my local library now.
NOTES FROM BEFORE I READ IT
Omg my fav as a kid/teen is publishing a new book?? I’m so ready 🥹😭 brb while I get nostalgic af
*immediately pre orders*
I JUST GOT AN ARC TOO AHHHH
Despite being her first book in seven years tho the story feels under developed.
It’s very difficult to keep track of all of the characters and family members. The names are just literally thrown at you and intermixed to much it’s a big jumble with no defining traits to separate ppl.
The setting is pretty much just “the woods” and a small town. Greater detail could’ve enhanced the story. Sooo much of the story was her working at the Egg. Which did not add anything to the story.
It is also very dialogue heavy with minimal character development if any unless you consider the final sentence development for the main FMC. She’s 18 tho so I wasn’t expecting much and that’s fine.
Compared to her other books I was surprised that this one didn’t wrap up neatly. It leaves you wondering a lot. What will happen to the estate? What happens with her mom? With Ben? With Colin? With school?
This is a surface level story at best. I think much more could have been explored that would resonate with YA readers. In particular she could have gone deeper with the aspects of planning your future so young and putting so much into a highschool relationship, and the importance of family and real connections. These are topics YA readers not only deserve to read but can help sort out their own feelings through books.
The small town and leaving to do your own thing could’ve been elaborated on too. Encouraging YA readers to go beyond their world.
There’s so much left unsaid that could’ve enhanced the story. We get more conversations at the egg than actually with Colin. He comes and leaves. Same with her conversations with her mom. Why not add them on the page?
As a stylistic choice the onomatopoeia is a tad excessive. But this could be a me problem.
Bang
Bzzzz
Chirp
Beep!
Bing
Clunk
Whizz
It was a lot. Bzzzz was used so often.
I think this book will do well due to the nostalgia. Readers however may be better off reading her earlier books.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the ARC. This book has been purchased for my local library now.
NOTES FROM BEFORE I READ IT
Omg my fav as a kid/teen is publishing a new book?? I’m so ready 🥹😭 brb while I get nostalgic af
*immediately pre orders*
I JUST GOT AN ARC TOO AHHHH
May 4, 2026
3.75/5
As a massive Sarah Dessen fan since my preteen days, I cannot describe the absolute delight I felt upon learning we were getting a new book. And as soon as I cracked open my ARC copy, (thank you Simon Teen!) I devoured it in one single sitting.
We follow Finley, a recent high school graduate who is unexpectedly swept away to her estranged mother’s hometown for the summer. Within hours of being there, she is unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend of two years over face time. Now faced with the barren canyon of her future, and the mysteries of her mother’s past, Finely must construct her own plans for who she wants to be.
Within two pages of this book you learn Finley turned down her dream school to attend the same University as her boyfriend, and I think that really sets the tone for this book. Throughout high school, she basically build her whole life around him. Now she’s in a new place, with new people, and a new family. And she’s taking an active role in her life, rather than a passive one.
I’ve always felt like Sarah captures teenagers better than anyone else. So often authors try hard to stay in trend. They have their teen characters be mouth pieces for their entire generation, instead of just regular kids. Sarah’s characters feel so much more grounded and real.
Change of Plans has so many quintessential Sarah Dessen elements. Diners, lakes, late night meetups. Reconnecting with family, and making new friends. We got some nods to some of her past books, which left a little confusion around the time period this book takes place in. But my heart grew three sizes to see a Hate Spinnerbait mention in 2026.
I will say this did feel a little too similar to The Rest of the Story, her previous release before this. They both take place lakeside and feature a reconnection with the maternal side of the family. And Ben isn’t one of my favorite love interests. I felt like we didn’t delve deep enough into his characterization. He was mostly just there. He came off a little whinny at the end, but I don’t fully hold that against him. I think Lana was the best side character we got, and seeing Finley’s friendship with her was the sweetest.
The ending felt a little open ended. There were a lot of questions we don’t get answered, no distinct framework for after the story finishes. It’s very much living in the now and I don’t particularly hate it. It feels very real to life and the point of Finley’s journey. But I do wish we got just a little bit more of a satisfying conclusion.
I now have an unrelenting urge to reread all of Sarah Dessen’s books!!
As a massive Sarah Dessen fan since my preteen days, I cannot describe the absolute delight I felt upon learning we were getting a new book. And as soon as I cracked open my ARC copy, (thank you Simon Teen!) I devoured it in one single sitting.
We follow Finley, a recent high school graduate who is unexpectedly swept away to her estranged mother’s hometown for the summer. Within hours of being there, she is unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend of two years over face time. Now faced with the barren canyon of her future, and the mysteries of her mother’s past, Finely must construct her own plans for who she wants to be.
Within two pages of this book you learn Finley turned down her dream school to attend the same University as her boyfriend, and I think that really sets the tone for this book. Throughout high school, she basically build her whole life around him. Now she’s in a new place, with new people, and a new family. And she’s taking an active role in her life, rather than a passive one.
I’ve always felt like Sarah captures teenagers better than anyone else. So often authors try hard to stay in trend. They have their teen characters be mouth pieces for their entire generation, instead of just regular kids. Sarah’s characters feel so much more grounded and real.
Change of Plans has so many quintessential Sarah Dessen elements. Diners, lakes, late night meetups. Reconnecting with family, and making new friends. We got some nods to some of her past books, which left a little confusion around the time period this book takes place in. But my heart grew three sizes to see a Hate Spinnerbait mention in 2026.
I will say this did feel a little too similar to The Rest of the Story, her previous release before this. They both take place lakeside and feature a reconnection with the maternal side of the family. And Ben isn’t one of my favorite love interests. I felt like we didn’t delve deep enough into his characterization. He was mostly just there. He came off a little whinny at the end, but I don’t fully hold that against him. I think Lana was the best side character we got, and seeing Finley’s friendship with her was the sweetest.
The ending felt a little open ended. There were a lot of questions we don’t get answered, no distinct framework for after the story finishes. It’s very much living in the now and I don’t particularly hate it. It feels very real to life and the point of Finley’s journey. But I do wish we got just a little bit more of a satisfying conclusion.
I now have an unrelenting urge to reread all of Sarah Dessen’s books!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of all- massive thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuester for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am devastated to say this is my first 2-star Sarah Dessen and it HURTS.
I, like many others, grew up on Sarah. I've read everything she's written and her words have fundamentally changed my teenage self. She helped shape my youth. But I loved her as an adult too. I've re-read many as an adult, my favorite Sarah Dessen is The Rest of the Story which I first read in 2018. This is to say: I didnt dislike this because I'm an adult and this YA. While i can imagine that is a FACTOR, it is not the reason.
This book is too busy while simultaneously doing nothing? the first page genuinely overwhelmed me with how many characters were getting named, and yet Colin is referenced like 3-4 times before you know who he is in one page. it was a lot, it was chaotic and set the tone in a negative way.
the other issue is, the most compelling story in here is Catherine's. Unfortunately the main character is Finley. Now, I can imagine this book will have its audience with kids who are in similar situations to Finely and Catherine, and they will probably identify with Finley and not care that Catherine's story isnt the focus. I love that for them.
but for me, I didn't really see what Finley's arc even was? This felt like The Rest of the Story's reheated nachos, going to spend time to get to know your mothers family that you've been estranged from. But.... i'm missing the WHy of it all. Like genuinely what was the story trying to do. I dont mean that cruelly, i just left the book feeling more like i read someones "this is what i did on summer vacation" paper than feeling like i watched characters grow.
and then.... it just.... ends.
where is the resolution to like..... anything besides the lukewarm romance?
I will continue to pick up and read every Sarah Dessen because i love her, and her strength is in the relationship building and interpersonal dynamics - it just was SO crowded in this book, i felt like there was a new character every page and it was exhausting.
I am devastated to say this is my first 2-star Sarah Dessen and it HURTS.
I, like many others, grew up on Sarah. I've read everything she's written and her words have fundamentally changed my teenage self. She helped shape my youth. But I loved her as an adult too. I've re-read many as an adult, my favorite Sarah Dessen is The Rest of the Story which I first read in 2018. This is to say: I didnt dislike this because I'm an adult and this YA. While i can imagine that is a FACTOR, it is not the reason.
This book is too busy while simultaneously doing nothing? the first page genuinely overwhelmed me with how many characters were getting named, and yet Colin is referenced like 3-4 times before you know who he is in one page. it was a lot, it was chaotic and set the tone in a negative way.
the other issue is, the most compelling story in here is Catherine's. Unfortunately the main character is Finley. Now, I can imagine this book will have its audience with kids who are in similar situations to Finely and Catherine, and they will probably identify with Finley and not care that Catherine's story isnt the focus. I love that for them.
but for me, I didn't really see what Finley's arc even was? This felt like The Rest of the Story's reheated nachos, going to spend time to get to know your mothers family that you've been estranged from. But.... i'm missing the WHy of it all. Like genuinely what was the story trying to do. I dont mean that cruelly, i just left the book feeling more like i read someones "this is what i did on summer vacation" paper than feeling like i watched characters grow.
and then.... it just.... ends.
where is the resolution to like..... anything besides the lukewarm romance?
I will continue to pick up and read every Sarah Dessen because i love her, and her strength is in the relationship building and interpersonal dynamics - it just was SO crowded in this book, i felt like there was a new character every page and it was exhausting.
April 24, 2026
Finley has always followed her boyfriend’s lead—until a spontaneous trip with her estranged mom introduces her to a hidden family, a tight-knit diner crew, and a summer without a plan. As her relationship unravels, she uncovers long-buried secrets and begins to discover who she is on her own.
What a gift to be back in the Dessenverse—this time at North Lake [The Rest of the Story], but with all the same small-town friendship charm. The nostalgia I felt the whole way through!!
I don’t think this story adds any new layers or revelations to Sarah’s writing. Everything still feels very fueled by uncertain decisions, family strain, and the budding of unexpected relationships — classic YA.
If you like small-circle casts in quaint locations focusing on a recent high school graduate navigating a breakup, her mom’s cancer, and a will-they-won’t-they co-worker summer romance, grab this as your next summer read!
Thank you @simonteen @simon.audio for the books!! What a treat to dive back into a Sarah Dessen #simonteenpartner #simonaudioinfluencer
Perfect for you if you like:
Coming of age
Small lake town
Teenage relationships
Similar:
Falling Like Leaves by Misty Wilson
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Mason
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
🌶️kisses only
⚠️some mild language, breast cancer diagnosis, breakup, strained relationship with mother, underaged drinking
What a gift to be back in the Dessenverse—this time at North Lake [The Rest of the Story], but with all the same small-town friendship charm. The nostalgia I felt the whole way through!!
I don’t think this story adds any new layers or revelations to Sarah’s writing. Everything still feels very fueled by uncertain decisions, family strain, and the budding of unexpected relationships — classic YA.
If you like small-circle casts in quaint locations focusing on a recent high school graduate navigating a breakup, her mom’s cancer, and a will-they-won’t-they co-worker summer romance, grab this as your next summer read!
Thank you @simonteen @simon.audio for the books!! What a treat to dive back into a Sarah Dessen #simonteenpartner #simonaudioinfluencer
Perfect for you if you like:
Coming of age
Small lake town
Teenage relationships
Similar:
Falling Like Leaves by Misty Wilson
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Mason
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
🌶️kisses only
⚠️some mild language, breast cancer diagnosis, breakup, strained relationship with mother, underaged drinking
April 15, 2026
I’m so glad that Sarah Dessen is writing again. We could all use a dose of teenage nostalgia.
Finley usually fades to the background, especially when next to her magnetic boyfriend Colin. When her emotionally distant mother takes Finley on an unexpected trip, she connects with estranged aunts and cousins. A unexpected call from Colin throws Finley’s summer into tailspin, forcing her to live for the first time without a solid plan.
Saint Anything is one of my comfort reads, so I had high expectations for Change of Plans. It does feel like a classic Sarah Dessen novel! You’ve got the tense family dynamics, quirky friend group, and the poignant writing style I’ve come to expect from her books. I liked Finley and was intrigued by the family secrets she uncovers. The world felt real and lived in. I loved the diner scenes and watching Finley find her place in the world without Colin. Finley’s relationship with her mother was nuanced and interesting.
I’ve settled at 3.5 stars for my rating. While this does have the classic Dessen feel, it wasn’t unique. The characters felt like ones I’ve meet before in her previous books and the romance didn’t have much depth. I didn’t understand the third act conflict. There are also a lot of characters that I found difficult to keep straight. I didn’t realize this guy was her cousin until more than halfway through the book. The plot also moved slowly at times, but I enjoyed the story overall.
While this wasn’t my favorite book of hers, I’m happy to have read it and I hope Sarah Dessen continues to publish more stories! Thank you to Simon Teen for this ARC through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Finley usually fades to the background, especially when next to her magnetic boyfriend Colin. When her emotionally distant mother takes Finley on an unexpected trip, she connects with estranged aunts and cousins. A unexpected call from Colin throws Finley’s summer into tailspin, forcing her to live for the first time without a solid plan.
Saint Anything is one of my comfort reads, so I had high expectations for Change of Plans. It does feel like a classic Sarah Dessen novel! You’ve got the tense family dynamics, quirky friend group, and the poignant writing style I’ve come to expect from her books. I liked Finley and was intrigued by the family secrets she uncovers. The world felt real and lived in. I loved the diner scenes and watching Finley find her place in the world without Colin. Finley’s relationship with her mother was nuanced and interesting.
I’ve settled at 3.5 stars for my rating. While this does have the classic Dessen feel, it wasn’t unique. The characters felt like ones I’ve meet before in her previous books and the romance didn’t have much depth. I didn’t understand the third act conflict. There are also a lot of characters that I found difficult to keep straight. I didn’t realize this guy was her cousin until more than halfway through the book. The plot also moved slowly at times, but I enjoyed the story overall.
While this wasn’t my favorite book of hers, I’m happy to have read it and I hope Sarah Dessen continues to publish more stories! Thank you to Simon Teen for this ARC through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 21, 2026
ARC REVIEW 🌸 HUGE thank you to @simonteen for the advanced reader copy! 💫 I truly feel like Sarah Dessen raised me. Her books meant EVERYTHING to me in my younger years ☀️ Her books make you feel like summertime, like sitting on a dock with your feet in the water, like the first time your crush touches your hand when you were a teenager. I do read more adult books now, but this was still such a cute read, and so nostalgic to revisit her writing again 💞 (reading the words “hate spinnerbait” woke me up like a sleeper agent 😆 IYKYK). And I felt it was only fitting to surround her new book with my old copies of all of my favorite SD books that I still have & treasure to this day. Change of Plans is scheduled to release on May 5th! 💛 #sarahdessen
March 9, 2026
I have loved Sarah Dessen books since I was 13 so when my 32 year-old self got approved for this ARC, I did a little dance around the house (ask my husband). I was a bit nervous to read a YA book again since they’re normally but my cup of tea anymore, but Sarah will ALWAYS be an exception.
After 7 years, it was SO good to be back in Lakeview and North Shore Lake - my homes away from home. This book had everything I loved in a Sarah Dessen book - a teenager trying to find her way, a sweet love interest, some family drama, and a found family. There were also little nods to previous Sarah Dessen books that made me kick my feet when they appeared on the page.
This was definitely one of the more.. Emotional Sarah Dessen books. There were a lot of times my heart sank for these characters, but the family they created really shined through and made it such a special read. I loved Finley’s growing relationship with her aunts, cousin, mom, and loved watching her friendships with Lana, Clark, and Ben grow. She really surprised me as a character, overall and she grew a lot with deciding what she wanted and asking for it.
Initially I gave this book a 5 star, but I pushed it down to 4.75 after thinking it over. I do feel like the ending was left unfinished… There was so much left up in the air and subplots left unfinished that could’ve had another 50ish pages or an epilogue AT LEAST to wrap things up.. But maybe that was done on purpose and maybe this isn’t our last summer at The Woods?
**Thank you to Simon and Schuster, Netgalley, and the author for a copy of the e-book in exchange for a honest review**
After 7 years, it was SO good to be back in Lakeview and North Shore Lake - my homes away from home. This book had everything I loved in a Sarah Dessen book - a teenager trying to find her way, a sweet love interest, some family drama, and a found family. There were also little nods to previous Sarah Dessen books that made me kick my feet when they appeared on the page.
This was definitely one of the more.. Emotional Sarah Dessen books. There were a lot of times my heart sank for these characters, but the family they created really shined through and made it such a special read. I loved Finley’s growing relationship with her aunts, cousin, mom, and loved watching her friendships with Lana, Clark, and Ben grow. She really surprised me as a character, overall and she grew a lot with deciding what she wanted and asking for it.
Initially I gave this book a 5 star, but I pushed it down to 4.75 after thinking it over. I do feel like the ending was left unfinished… There was so much left up in the air and subplots left unfinished that could’ve had another 50ish pages or an epilogue AT LEAST to wrap things up.. But maybe that was done on purpose and maybe this isn’t our last summer at The Woods?
**Thank you to Simon and Schuster, Netgalley, and the author for a copy of the e-book in exchange for a honest review**
May 4, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a free digital copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
As a teen growing up in the 2010s, I was the perfect age for Sarah Dessen. Her books used to take up an entire wall at Barnes & Noble, all with those glossy, dreamy covers that suggested summertime romances and coming-of-age journeys. When I finally decided to read one for myself, after hearing so much about these book from my peers, I was pleasantly surprised to find that her books were also quite introspective, replete with quirky characters that felt more like real people than the broody bad boys and means girls you normally find in YA literature.
I did have some quibbles with Dessen's writing. She was much more daring when she first started out—my favorite books of hers were two of her earliest: This Lullaby, which features a feisty and assertive main character, so unlike the other protagonists, and Dreamland, a dark but beautifully written book about a girl surviving an abusive relationship. As time wore on, however, Dessen's writing got safer and more formulaic, with the main girls all starting to fit the same cookie-cutter model. She also had a knack for writing Manic Pixie Dream Boys who all appeared at the beginning of the summer and instantly fell for our leading lady.
Still, I was stoked to read a new Sarah Dessen book after her seven-year hiatus, and I was interested to see how her books would fit today's audience. Even when I was a teenager, the characters felt a bit retro: technology has taken over our lives, parents monitor their children more closely, and kids today are more mature than past generations in some ways and less mature in others. Teens spend less time dating and partying, but they're also more serious and more aware of what their decisions could cost them. As it was, the cover threw me for a loop--gone are the whimsical photos, replaced now by those comic book images girls today prefer for some reason. And sure enough, Dessen quickly found a way to prevent both her newest girl, Finley (another Dessen trademark, weird names) and her love interest from using cell phones for most of the story.
Alas, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Change of Plans is essentially a re-write of The Truth About Forever with a dash of Along for the Ride thrown in. A Plain Jane protagonist with a complicated relationship with her mother is dumped by her overachieving boyfriend at the beginning of the summer. She stumbles into a new job in the restaurant industry where she is befriended by an adorkable local girl and meets a dreamy musician with sleeping issues. They have secret nighttime rendezvouses, go through a brief, manufactured estrangement, and are fully in love by the end of the book. Throw in a wedding, a baby sibling, and a Spinnerbait reference, and you have all the Dessen trademarks. There's even a scene where a car gets stuck in a pothole and has to get pulled out by the locals.
But even if that sounds like a perfect read for you, Dessen appears to still be working on getting her groove back after years away. Change of Plans is incredibly slow-paced, yet there were many times where it felt like key scenes had been omitted: Finley or another character would make a remark, and I'd be left scratching my head over whether I skipped a page somewhere. The side characters are all still quirky, yes, but not distinctive. This is most damning for the love interest, Ben, who is both dreamy and awkward but mostly just kind of forgettable. Finley's relationship with her mother, a corporate executive who relinquished primary custody of her when she was a little girl and only sees her a few times a year, goes through many phases that should pave the way for great drama—abandonment, health scares, her mother's years of separation from her sisters and parents—none of which reap satisfying results. The main plot of the story, set around clearing out and selling Finley's grandparents' lake house, is painfully dull, and by the end, it felt like Dessen just wanted the book to be done with so she could submit it to her publisher and move on to something else.
If one good thing came out of Change of Plans, it's that it made me want to revisit some of Sarah Dessen's earlier books again. I've read that she's already working on her next book, and I'm hopeful we'll start to see some of the old magic pop back up again. And I hope that this book will gain the attention of teen girls who have not yet heard of her. I would simply recommend skipping this particular book in favor of one of her others.
As a teen growing up in the 2010s, I was the perfect age for Sarah Dessen. Her books used to take up an entire wall at Barnes & Noble, all with those glossy, dreamy covers that suggested summertime romances and coming-of-age journeys. When I finally decided to read one for myself, after hearing so much about these book from my peers, I was pleasantly surprised to find that her books were also quite introspective, replete with quirky characters that felt more like real people than the broody bad boys and means girls you normally find in YA literature.
I did have some quibbles with Dessen's writing. She was much more daring when she first started out—my favorite books of hers were two of her earliest: This Lullaby, which features a feisty and assertive main character, so unlike the other protagonists, and Dreamland, a dark but beautifully written book about a girl surviving an abusive relationship. As time wore on, however, Dessen's writing got safer and more formulaic, with the main girls all starting to fit the same cookie-cutter model. She also had a knack for writing Manic Pixie Dream Boys who all appeared at the beginning of the summer and instantly fell for our leading lady.
Still, I was stoked to read a new Sarah Dessen book after her seven-year hiatus, and I was interested to see how her books would fit today's audience. Even when I was a teenager, the characters felt a bit retro: technology has taken over our lives, parents monitor their children more closely, and kids today are more mature than past generations in some ways and less mature in others. Teens spend less time dating and partying, but they're also more serious and more aware of what their decisions could cost them. As it was, the cover threw me for a loop--gone are the whimsical photos, replaced now by those comic book images girls today prefer for some reason. And sure enough, Dessen quickly found a way to prevent both her newest girl, Finley (another Dessen trademark, weird names) and her love interest from using cell phones for most of the story.
Alas, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Change of Plans is essentially a re-write of The Truth About Forever with a dash of Along for the Ride thrown in. A Plain Jane protagonist with a complicated relationship with her mother is dumped by her overachieving boyfriend at the beginning of the summer. She stumbles into a new job in the restaurant industry where she is befriended by an adorkable local girl and meets a dreamy musician with sleeping issues. They have secret nighttime rendezvouses, go through a brief, manufactured estrangement, and are fully in love by the end of the book. Throw in a wedding, a baby sibling, and a Spinnerbait reference, and you have all the Dessen trademarks. There's even a scene where a car gets stuck in a pothole and has to get pulled out by the locals.
But even if that sounds like a perfect read for you, Dessen appears to still be working on getting her groove back after years away. Change of Plans is incredibly slow-paced, yet there were many times where it felt like key scenes had been omitted: Finley or another character would make a remark, and I'd be left scratching my head over whether I skipped a page somewhere. The side characters are all still quirky, yes, but not distinctive. This is most damning for the love interest, Ben, who is both dreamy and awkward but mostly just kind of forgettable. Finley's relationship with her mother, a corporate executive who relinquished primary custody of her when she was a little girl and only sees her a few times a year, goes through many phases that should pave the way for great drama—abandonment, health scares, her mother's years of separation from her sisters and parents—none of which reap satisfying results. The main plot of the story, set around clearing out and selling Finley's grandparents' lake house, is painfully dull, and by the end, it felt like Dessen just wanted the book to be done with so she could submit it to her publisher and move on to something else.
If one good thing came out of Change of Plans, it's that it made me want to revisit some of Sarah Dessen's earlier books again. I've read that she's already working on her next book, and I'm hopeful we'll start to see some of the old magic pop back up again. And I hope that this book will gain the attention of teen girls who have not yet heard of her. I would simply recommend skipping this particular book in favor of one of her others.
May 7, 2026
SARAH DESSEN IS BACK!!! Her first book in over 7 years and man, Change of Plans had me feeling so nostalgic for my preteen and teenage years, when I first discovered and fell in love with Sarah’s YA books. Thank you so much to @simonteen for the free early copy!! This is the perfect summer book for any young adult reader or Sarah Dessen fan.
Change of Plans follows Finley, a recent high school graduate, who is forced to go with her mom on a summer trip to her mom’s old lake house, when she would rather be with her high school boyfriend on a cruise. Finley has very little connection with her mom and her mom’s family and is suddenly thrown into a whole new life over the summer. To make matters worse, Colin, her high school boyfriend, suddenly breaks up with her a week after their graduation. Suddenly, Finley isn’t sure what comes next for her.
I loved how nostalgic and emotional this book felt. Sarah writes such great YA characters and I really found myself connecting with Finley’s journey and growth as she found her world flipped upside down after high school, trying desperately to figure her life out.
I loved the found family and friends that Finley formed over her summer at the lake and found myself really relating to the many lessons she learned, especially to go with the flow and let go of things and people she may have outgrown.
Although the romance between Finley and Ben felt a little too quick and awkward to me (ah young love), I think it really summed up teenage feelings and connections well. Personally, I enjoyed this book as more of a YA character study and contemporary with the romance as a subplot!
The perfect summer read, I hope all the OG Sarah Dessen fans are excited to read this!! Change of Plans is out NOW 🤍
Change of Plans follows Finley, a recent high school graduate, who is forced to go with her mom on a summer trip to her mom’s old lake house, when she would rather be with her high school boyfriend on a cruise. Finley has very little connection with her mom and her mom’s family and is suddenly thrown into a whole new life over the summer. To make matters worse, Colin, her high school boyfriend, suddenly breaks up with her a week after their graduation. Suddenly, Finley isn’t sure what comes next for her.
I loved how nostalgic and emotional this book felt. Sarah writes such great YA characters and I really found myself connecting with Finley’s journey and growth as she found her world flipped upside down after high school, trying desperately to figure her life out.
I loved the found family and friends that Finley formed over her summer at the lake and found myself really relating to the many lessons she learned, especially to go with the flow and let go of things and people she may have outgrown.
Although the romance between Finley and Ben felt a little too quick and awkward to me (ah young love), I think it really summed up teenage feelings and connections well. Personally, I enjoyed this book as more of a YA character study and contemporary with the romance as a subplot!
The perfect summer read, I hope all the OG Sarah Dessen fans are excited to read this!! Change of Plans is out NOW 🤍
May 5, 2026
Happy pub day! (Or almost pub day. It's in two hours.) I grew up on Sarah Dessen so I was excited to see her return to form. Sweet summer coming-of-age, girl meets boy, has huge familial revelation, etc. I did enjoy this one, but it did feel a little flat compared to some of her past work - specifically the relationship between Finley and her mom, as well as Finley and Ben. We're kind of observing things happening with these characters but not living in them. Things get wrapped up tidily and without much drama, or the drama blows over super fast. It was a quick read and I did find myself wanting to return to it, but one of her more lackluster ones - particularly the ending. I wanted to see a certain confrontation and it's entirely off page, meaning we don't actually get to see Finley's growth! I think teens will still enjoy it, but I'd recommend finding some of her older work after if you enjoyed it.
May 5, 2026
It’s an understatement to say Sarah is a big part of the reader I am today!! A core memory for me is coming across a quote from The Truth About Forever on tumblr and deciding I must get my hands on the book. The rest was history as I devoured every Dessen book for years to come!
Fast forward to last year when this gem of a book was announced!! I knew once again that I had to get my hands on a copy and the lovely humans at @simonteen made dreams come true with a physical ARC. 🥹 thank you x a million!
I know I’m biased, but there is something so nostalgic about Sarah’s writing. Something so uniquely her in the way she strings sentences together and frames dialogue. Her books feel like her from the first chapter.
I adored spending time with Finley, her mom, and the cast of characters. Her coming of age story gives the reader a healthy dose of family drama, boy problems, and romance that’ll make you swoon! I will always love a lake town setting too!
I’ve grown out of devouring YA romances, but I’ll always have a soft spot for anything and everything Sarah publishes. ❤️
Fast forward to last year when this gem of a book was announced!! I knew once again that I had to get my hands on a copy and the lovely humans at @simonteen made dreams come true with a physical ARC. 🥹 thank you x a million!
I know I’m biased, but there is something so nostalgic about Sarah’s writing. Something so uniquely her in the way she strings sentences together and frames dialogue. Her books feel like her from the first chapter.
I adored spending time with Finley, her mom, and the cast of characters. Her coming of age story gives the reader a healthy dose of family drama, boy problems, and romance that’ll make you swoon! I will always love a lake town setting too!
I’ve grown out of devouring YA romances, but I’ll always have a soft spot for anything and everything Sarah publishes. ❤️
April 27, 2026
this was so boring, if i’d sat in an empty room and did absolutely nothing i’d have been more entertained.
this mc had literally no goals and no personality. her narration was so bland even beige almond moms wouldn’t want her. i wanted to rip my hair out, cry, maybe bash my head against the wall idk
the love interest was so wack i can’t even 😭 bro was like “im so awkward and weird 🥺” i will literally curb stomp you like please spare me the im not like other guys INCANT HANDLE IT
and the whole romance thing with whatever her ex’s name was so dumb. like ig good for her for having some character development but i literally couldn’t care less. sh started off so codependent and then yay she learned to make a decision.
nothing about this story was compelling. the summer vibes were not even there. the entire thing is just the mc floating around like a meaningless ghost while her family is freaking out over some wedding and house and i’m just sitting here like who ordered the dgaf coffee and why did i drain the whole pot.
*thank you to netgalley for the arc. all opinions are my own*
this mc had literally no goals and no personality. her narration was so bland even beige almond moms wouldn’t want her. i wanted to rip my hair out, cry, maybe bash my head against the wall idk
the love interest was so wack i can’t even 😭 bro was like “im so awkward and weird 🥺” i will literally curb stomp you like please spare me the im not like other guys INCANT HANDLE IT
and the whole romance thing with whatever her ex’s name was so dumb. like ig good for her for having some character development but i literally couldn’t care less. sh started off so codependent and then yay she learned to make a decision.
nothing about this story was compelling. the summer vibes were not even there. the entire thing is just the mc floating around like a meaningless ghost while her family is freaking out over some wedding and house and i’m just sitting here like who ordered the dgaf coffee and why did i drain the whole pot.
*thank you to netgalley for the arc. all opinions are my own*
April 30, 2026
{3.5 stars}
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.
Finley has just graduated high school, her life has been wrapped around her boyfriend for years. But they are pulled apart by their summer plans, Finley is headed on a trip with her estranged mother and Colin is going on a family cruise. Finley's plans are dashed immediately by a detour her mother must make to the family cabin, a place Finley has never been with family members she's barely met. As she's wrapping her mind around this new setting her boyfriend breaks up with her and her life is in full tail spin. She realizes that her past has been dictated by someone else and has to decide if her future will be as well.
This was cute. A little coming of age. A little teen romance. A little family drama. A little women's fiction. It was a quick read, at times I was entertained but it did feel mostly predictable. If you're looking for an original story, this is not it. If you're looking for something cozy and easy to slip in and out of, this is it.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.
Finley has just graduated high school, her life has been wrapped around her boyfriend for years. But they are pulled apart by their summer plans, Finley is headed on a trip with her estranged mother and Colin is going on a family cruise. Finley's plans are dashed immediately by a detour her mother must make to the family cabin, a place Finley has never been with family members she's barely met. As she's wrapping her mind around this new setting her boyfriend breaks up with her and her life is in full tail spin. She realizes that her past has been dictated by someone else and has to decide if her future will be as well.
This was cute. A little coming of age. A little teen romance. A little family drama. A little women's fiction. It was a quick read, at times I was entertained but it did feel mostly predictable. If you're looking for an original story, this is not it. If you're looking for something cozy and easy to slip in and out of, this is it.
May 6, 2026
Finley is not big on changes. She’s had some doozies thrown at her; her mom took off when she was four to have a career and left Finley with her Dad. Now, 13 years later, Dad’s remarried and has three new children. And her mom wants to take Finley to New York for a graduation present…
Just as the plans get exciting, they get scrapped. Instead, Finley and her mom travel to the small town where she and her (now estranged) sisters grew up, to a farm house Finley has never heard about. Mom is very tight-lipped about everything concerning this “adventure”, but as time passes, they both discover the art, and healing, of disclosing long-held and painful secrets…
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
Just as the plans get exciting, they get scrapped. Instead, Finley and her mom travel to the small town where she and her (now estranged) sisters grew up, to a farm house Finley has never heard about. Mom is very tight-lipped about everything concerning this “adventure”, but as time passes, they both discover the art, and healing, of disclosing long-held and painful secrets…
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
May 7, 2026
3.5 rounded up
This was a fun, lighthearted YA summer romance that has one teen girl dealing with a lot of unexpected changed when her boyfriend dumps her out of the blue and her mom takes them to a small town to spend the summer with her estranged family. There's family secrets, cancer diagnoses, new love interests, a last minute wedding to help plan and pull off and a heartwarming found family situation as Finley finds herself jumping into a waitress role in the town's greasy spoon. Lots of coming of age growth mixed with great emotional depth. This was good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Jenna Evans Welch or K.L. Walther.
This was a fun, lighthearted YA summer romance that has one teen girl dealing with a lot of unexpected changed when her boyfriend dumps her out of the blue and her mom takes them to a small town to spend the summer with her estranged family. There's family secrets, cancer diagnoses, new love interests, a last minute wedding to help plan and pull off and a heartwarming found family situation as Finley finds herself jumping into a waitress role in the town's greasy spoon. Lots of coming of age growth mixed with great emotional depth. This was good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Jenna Evans Welch or K.L. Walther.
Did Not Finish
April 10, 2026ooof this hurts, but this was just a lil too immature for me — yes, I know it’s YA but the story was still immature for their ages lol.
May 6, 2026
It’s like seeing a good friend again after many years. This book was just so Sarah. I wish I hadn’t read it so quickly but I couldn’t stop
May 7, 2026
I've been shamelessly cranking through Dessen's books since I was like 9 years old, and at age 27 I am certainly not stopping now
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Grateful for a new Sarah Dessen book even if it’s not a new *favorite* Sarah Dessen book
Thanks Simon & Schuster for the ARC!
Thanks Simon & Schuster for the ARC!
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